What about the scheme, in plain facts?

Authority: Department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu. Applications come in through the Tourism Operator Registration System, and the Commissioner or Director of Tourism passes the final order.

What about fees and categories?

Units are classified Silver or Gold. The 2026 amendment replaces the fee table:

What about how the process works?

1. Apply online through the Tourism Operator Registration System. 2. Inspection: a committee constituted by the Commissioner or Director of Tourism inspects the property and prepares a detailed report. 3. District review: the report goes to the District Tourism Development Committee (DTDC), which examines it and makes a recommendation. 4. Order: the recommendation goes to the Commissioner or Director of Tourism, who passes the order on your application.

What about renewal and penalties?

Renewal is now a self-renewal done online, and it must be done at least 3 months before the registration expires. If you are late by up to 2 months after expiry, you pay Rs 5,000 for each month of delay. If you have not renewed within 2 months after expiry, the registration is cancelled and the facility is to be shut down. Put the expiry date in your calendar the day you receive the certificate.

What about what this means for ooty, kodaikanal and yercaud owners?

If you live on site, register as a homestay and plan within 6 rooms. If you have a plantation bungalow or cottage cluster managed by a caretaker, the B&B definition (up to 8 rooms) is written for you. The cap applies to lettable rooms.

How many rooms can a Tamil Nadu homestay have?

Between 1 and 6 lettable rooms (12 beds) for a homestay where the owner lives on the premises. A bed and breakfast with a resident agent or operator can have up to 8 lettable rooms (16 beds).

Does the owner have to live on the property?

For a homestay, yes: the owner or promoter must be physically residing in the same premises. If the owner does not live there but a designated agent or operator does, the unit falls under the Bed and Breakfast definition instead.

How much does registration cost?

Under the July 2026 amendment, Silver is Rs 8,000 or Rs 15,000 and Gold is Rs 13,500 or Rs 18,500 depending on the registration option, with renewal at Rs 10,000 (Silver) or Rs 15,000 (Gold). Confirm which option applies to you with the department.

How long does approval take?

The order sets a 60 day target from application, provided you submit all required documents.

What happens if I miss the renewal date?

You can still renew for up to 2 months after expiry at Rs 5,000 per month of delay. After that the registration is cancelled and the facility is to be shut down.

Do I still need NIDHI?

We recommend registering on the central NIDHI portal as well. The state scheme and NIDHI are separate registrations.

What about once you are registered?

Registration makes you legal. Distribution makes you earn. Fursat lists your home and keeps your calendars in sync across the major booking sites. Start at /list-your-property, or read how the free channel manager works first.

Journal/Homestay Guides

5 min read · 7 October 2026

Tamil Nadu Homestay Registration Guide (2026)

Tamil Nadu amended its homestay and B&B guidelines in July 2026. Here are the room caps, the new fee table, the 60 day process and the renewal penalties.

Sneha Surana

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